Welcome to CHS Harrisburg
CHS Harrisburg provides a core early learning program with a play-based curriculum designed to enhance children’s educational, social, emotional, and cognitive development—with all costs covered for qualifying families. The Center features an Innovation Studio, STEM garden, and integrated family services.
We celebrated our Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of CHS Harrisburg on September 18, 2024. Read about this historic occasion.
Ages served
Infants
6 weeks to 12 months old
Younger toddler
1 to 2 years old
Older toddler
2 to 3 years old
Preschool
3 to 5 years old
Admissions Information
View our admissions page to learn more about the admissions process, sign up for admissions updates, and more.
CHS Harrisburg leaders
Malissa Lorenzo (Doster)
Malissa Lorenzo (Doster) serves CHS Harrisburg as its Center Director, bringing experience in non-profit early childhood education and family engagement. In Lorenzo’s role, she works alongside her team to help children develop social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills that support their success. She is also dedicated to creating a positive workplace that promotes mental and physical well-being and finds strength in building community relationships.
Chantal Rukundo-Karaara
Chantal Rukundo-Karaara is the Assistant Director at CHS Harrisburg, where she partners with its talented and passionate team of educators as they deliver the high-quality care and education that every child deserves. Chantal, who started her career as an assistant preschool teacher and worked up to become a director, is committed to transformative leadership and access to equitable education for all children and families.
Rebekah Johnston
As CHS Harrisburg’s Family Success Manager, Rebekah Johnston ensures each family of an enrolled child is supported in a way that lifts them up and empowers them to lead happy and fulfilling lives. Bekah previously worked in social work, which sparked a passion for engaging families and supporting them through difficult seasons of life. She strongly believes that through CHS’ integrated family services, we can successfully support families in providing a safe, stable, and thriving home environment for their children.
Admissions
Our Family Success Team works closely with each applying family to determine eligibility.
Our approach
Our program focuses on three key elements we believe make the difference: Nurture, Play, and Discover. We encourage CHS children to follow their curiosity, develop problem-solving, and discover the world around them, all while being nurtured and supported.
Teachers & staff
CHS teachers and staff begin their employment with a professional development program. There they expand their knowledge, build strong team dynamics, and fully integrate into CHS’ mission and innovative approach to early childhood education, enabling them to best serve CHS children and families.
Family success
Each CHS family will have a dedicated Family Success Advocate who keeps them informed and helps connect them to tools and resources. These include parenting and educational information, health care referrals, and job training.
Have questions?
Enrollment questions? Interested in career opportunities? Contact us to learn more about Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning.
